Holistic Recovery in the Opioid Crisis: Solutions for Addiction

The opioid crisis is the latest wave in the Addiction epidemic in American (HealthStream 2022) and Canadian society. This epidemic has been rampant for years. With or without opioids, there will continue to be other substances and behaviours impacting the quality of life and contributing to premature death if we do not address the primary issue of Addiction .

From January 2016-June 2017, there were over 4,300 deaths from opioids in Canada (Government of Canada, 2017). However, in 2002, there were 4,258 deaths related directly to alcohol. In 2016, there were over 77,000 Canadians hospitalized for conditions directly linked to alcohol (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, 2017). This is not to minimize the opioid deaths that are happening; it is meant to serve as a reality check that many Canadians have been and continue to die from the disease of Addiction, whether that be from opioids, alcohol, stimulants, prescription medication, food-related issues (e.g., obesity), suicide , or related complications.

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry (American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2011). This means that Addiction is not secondary to something else (e.g., trauma) and is a long-term condition. Genetics play a significant role in the manifestation, anywhere from 40-70% (Bevilacqua and Goldman, 2009). The environment has an impact, of course, but it is important to appreciate the biological basis of the disease. It is important to appreciate that the brain is malfunctioning and driving a dysfunctional pursuit of escape, reward, and relief. Individuals with Addiction will explore many behaviours and substances to achieve these. Opioids are one of the substances that provides intoxication to the brain, but there are many others.

The solution to this epidemic of Addiction is holistic recovery. This means attending to health in body, feelings, relationships, and spirit, otherwise known as a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach. To do this, Addiction must first be properly assessed for, ideally using a comprehensive format incorporating healthcare providers from various disciplines, including nurses, psychologists, social workers, counsellors, and physicians. The comprehensive assessment would involve learning about the individual and developing an appropriate treatment plan.

In treating Addiction, education, awareness building, and action must be integrated. Examples of action steps for individuals using a holistic recovery approach include participation in exercise, healthy eating, proper hydration, sleep hygiene, network and relationship building with others in recovery using professional and community supports (e.g., 12-Step meetings, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery), incorporation of introspective strategies like meditation, mindfulness, relaxation, and journaling, as well as the development of spiritual connection which may evolve through community participation, engagement with nature, and/or religious involvement.

The deaths from opioids are not just caused by poor prescribing, misuse, or the substance itself. They are a direct result of untreated Addiction. This disease has been rampant in our society and others for decades and continues to get worse. The healthcare approach to Addiction is fragmented, with different healthcare professionals using different educational and treatment models that create great confusion for struggling people. To move forward, I urge each individual to look at their genetic vulnerability, explore an assessment, and engage in holistic recovery. Whether you have an Addiction or not, your health will benefit greatly if you do.